Water

UK-based wastewater treatment specialist Bluewater Bio has secured a contract to upgrade and expand the MODON Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWWTP) at Jeddah 1st Industrial City, lifting capacity by 60 per cent whilst maintaining continuous operations for local manufacturers.

Industrial wastewater management across the Middle East is rapidly moving towards circularity, and Saudi Arabia is reinforcing this transition with a critical infrastructure expansion in Jeddah.

UK-based wastewater treatment specialist Bluewater Bio has secured a contract to upgrade and expand the MODON Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWWTP) at Jeddah 1st Industrial City, lifting capacity by 60 per cent whilst maintaining continuous operations for local manufacturers.

The project forms an integral component of a 20-year Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer (ROT) concession awarded by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) to water management firm Miahona. Engineering, procurement, and construction contractor SUECO has been appointed to deliver the works, with Bluewater Bio supplying the core biological and tertiary treatment technologies.

Relieving flow pressures in Jeddah’s industrial hub

As the Kingdom broadens its manufacturing base, treating effluent at source has become an operational and environmental imperative. Jeddah 1st Industrial City represents one of Saudi Arabia’s most vital manufacturing centres, housing more than 1,100 factories across multiple sectors. Continued industrial expansion has driven daily wastewater flows and contaminant loadings beyond the plant’s original design limits. Consequently, modernising the treatment infrastructure has become essential to guarantee operational reliability, environmental compliance, and high-quality reclaimed water for local industry.

Crucially, the engineering design guarantees that the facility will remain fully operational throughout the upgrade, preventing any disruption to manufacturing tenants.

Core technologies and project delivery

To achieve the required capacity uplift without extensive site redevelopment, Bluewater Bio will deploy its proprietary modular treatment systems. The upgrade will expand the plant's overall processing capacity from 25 million litres per day (MLD) to 40 MLD, alongside supplying polished effluent suitable for reverse osmosis (RO) intake.

The scope of supply comprises:

• Fourteen SMART™ units driving the proprietary HYBACS® biological treatment process.

• Six FilterClear® tertiary filtration systems producing 24 MLD of treated water.

• Integration with a downstream reverse osmosis plant to enable high-grade industrial water reuse.

• Complete project delivery executed under live operational conditions to ensure zero plant downtime.

Fergus Rooksby, Commercial Director of Bluewater Bio, commented: “HYBACS was selected because it delivers a significant increase in biological treatment capacity without the need for major new civil structures. Combined with FilterClear for RO feedwater production, it provides a cost-effective, low-footprint solution that is straightforward to operate and minimises ongoing service and maintenance costs.
The ability to add further modules in the future also gives Miahona a flexible route to increase RO-treated water reuse, making this a highly compelling and future-ready solution.”

Daniyar Seipoldin, General Director of SUECO, said: “As an EPC contractor, SUECO is committed to implementing modern technological solutions that respond to the evolving needs of the industry — including energy efficiency, sustainable operation, effective use of existing infrastructure, and minimizing the need for additional civil construction.
It is in these principles that we see a strong strategic alignment between SUECO and Bluewater Bio. We value the professional collaboration between our teams and look forward to working together to successfully integrate the selected technologies and deliver the required project outcomes for Miahona and MODON.”

Aligning with regional infrastructure goals

The scheme is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2027, directly supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets for sustainable water stewardship and industrial resource recycling. For Bluewater Bio, the contract solidifies an expanding Middle Eastern portfolio that already includes landmark installations in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Richard Haddon, CEO of Bluewater Bio, added: “This award reflects the strength of our technology offering in addressing complex industrial wastewater challenges. The MODON facility presents a highly demanding treatment environment, and the selection of HYBACS and FilterClear highlights their proven ability to deliver robust, reliable solutions under challenging conditions.”

Richard Haddon concluded: “This contract award further strengthens our presence in the Middle East and reinforces our position as a trusted provider of advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions across the region.”

EMFIS® is expanding its methodology across EYWA Way of Water.

As wellness real estate evolves, architectural focus is shifting toward invisible environmental conditions that influence human biology.

Along the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay, luxury residential development EYWA Way of Water is targeting EMFIS® Certification to deliver an independently verified low-electromagnetic living environment. Designed to filter out ambient electromagnetic frequencies, the waterfront project prioritises nervous system quiet and cellular recovery alongside LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum benchmarks.

Modern homes generate constant electromagnetic fields from internal wiring, Wi-Fi networks, smart systems, and external 5G infrastructure. Although the World Health Organization classifies radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic, electromagnetic hygiene remains largely unaddressed by conventional healthy-building frameworks. European regulators are responding: France has banned Wi-Fi in daycare centres, while Switzerland has legislated precautionary exposure limits for schools and hospitals.

Shielding Built Environments by Design

Building on its earlier certification of EYWA – Tree of Life, EMFIS® is expanding its methodology across EYWA Way of Water. Designed by OAD (Zane Tetere-Sulce) with consultant John R Harris, the scheme encompasses approximately 65 ultra-luxury residences—ranging from two- to five-bedroom apartments to duplexes and a penthouse—with delivery expected around 2028.

By incorporating shielding and infrastructure choices directly into foundational design, the project preserves aesthetics whilst dramatically reducing daily radiation:

• Low-Frequency Fields: Reductions of up to 98.7% in electric fields, verified via third-party testing.

• High-Frequency Fields: Reductions of up to 81.8% in electromagnetic fields from wireless sources.

• Restorative Focus: Dedicated bedroom shielding to facilitate nervous system recovery and long-term vitality.

• Scientific Rigour: Standards developed from EPFL research and recognised by Switzerland’s national standardisation body, an ISO member.

Surging Demand for Verified Wellness

The initiative aligns with rapid capital growth across wellness-centred developments. The Global Wellness Institute projects the global wellness real estate market will grow from $876 billion to $1.8 trillion by 2030. In the UAE, the sector expanded from $3.3 billion in 2017 to $14.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a 21% annual growth rate.

While wellness assets command standard price premiums of 10% to 25%, buyers increasingly distinguish verified scientific metrics from marketing claims. EMFIS® benchmark data indicates that verified low-EMF certification delivers an average added value of approximately 14%.

Industry Perspectives on Longevity

Federico Marangoni, Founder and CEO of EMFIS®, commented: “Green building told us how a building treats the world outside it. The next question - the one EYWA Way of Water is helping answer - is what a building does to the people inside it over the course of a lifetime. Electromagnetic pollution is the dimension of the indoor environment the industry has not yet had the tools to measure and certify. That is exactly the gap EMFIS® closes, and EYWA Way of Water is one of the clearest examples in the region of a developer addressing it at design phase, where it makes the most difference. EYWA Way of Water is pitched to offer the quietest square meters in Dubai.”

Mariska Stoffel, Director of Design & Development at R.Evolution, commented: “Architecture is becoming much more sophisticated in how it responds to human wellbeing. When people spend around 90% of their time indoors, we are shaping the environment where much of daily life happens. That means looking beyond aesthetics to the invisible conditions created by the building itself. Sleep and recovery are a key part of that, which is why EMFIS® provides an important benchmark for how we address electromagnetic exposure. At EYWA Way of Water, we are designing for people who take a long-term view of both capital and personal wellbeing, while creating healthier, more considered living environments in an increasingly connected world.”

Shailesh Bhandari, Director, John R Harris commented: “At John R Harris & Partners, sustainability is embedded in our thinking from the first line of a project. EYWA Way of Water extends that principle into territory the industry is only beginning to navigate seriously: the electromagnetic environment that residents live within every day. Partnering with EMFIS® reflects our belief that truly well-crafted spaces actively support the health and longevity of those who inhabit them.”

With a GCC showroom in the UAE and schemes across eight nations, EMFIS® positions the project within a regional movement embedding electromagnetic hygiene into architectural design.

SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan.

The push for sustainable and resilient urban infrastructure across the United Arab Emirates has taken a significant leap forward, as the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) announces a major investment in the Emirate's utilities network.

With an injection of AED 28.23mn (approximately US$7.7mn), SEWA is constructing two state-of-the-art water reservoirs in the coastal city of Khorfakkan. This infrastructure upgrade is designed to immediately bolster local water security, doubling the storage capacity at crucial pumping stations and ensuring an uninterrupted supply for a rapidly expanding population.

In an arid climate where economic growth is intrinsically linked to utility resilience, continuous investment in water infrastructure is not merely an operational upgrade; it is a fundamental pillar of national security. As urban centres across Sharjah and the wider UAE continue to attract residential and commercial development, utility providers are under increasing pressure to future-proof their networks. The new Khorfakkan project underscores a proactive approach to this challenge, addressing the rising demand for essential services before it strains the existing framework. By reinforcing its water distribution networks, Sharjah is laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term urban expansion.

Strategic Project Specifications and Upgrades

The comprehensive development plan focuses on the SEWA 1 and SEWA 2 pumping stations situated in Khorfakkan. By expanding these specific nodes, the authority is targeting the heart of the city's water distribution architecture. The initiative will not only improve the overall sustainability of the network but also significantly enhance its operational flexibility, allowing the system to adapt to varying consumption patterns and seasonal demand spikes.

To provide a clearer picture of the scale and scope of the development, the core project details include:

• Total Investment Capital: AED 28.23 million (US$7.7 million) allocated for end-to-end construction and integration.

• Storage Capacity: Two new reservoirs, each capable of holding 2 million gallons, yielding a combined total of 4 million gallons in additional capacity.

• Strategic Locations: Integration into the existing SEWA 1 and SEWA 2 pumping stations to maximise distribution efficiency.

• Accelerated Timeline: Expected to become fully operational by the end of 2026, delivering ahead of the contractual deadline of March 2027.

• Primary Objective: Doubling the current storage capacity to improve network resilience and ensure a reliable, continuous water supply.

Accelerating Delivery to Meet Rising Demand

One of the most notable aspects of this infrastructure rollout is the expedited delivery timeline. Overseen by Engineer Saud Abdul Aziz, Director of the Khorfakkan Department at SEWA, the project is advancing at an accelerated pace. While the contractual completion date is slated for March 2027, the authority is pushing to bring both reservoirs online by the end of 2026. This accelerated schedule is a testament to the urgency and priority placed on securing the region's water supply. By halving the remaining wait time, SEWA aims to deliver immediate benefits to the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors relying on the Khorfakkan network.

A Catalyst for Broader Urban Development

The implications of this AED 28.23 million investment extend far beyond the immediate increase in water storage. Khorfakkan, with its unique geographic positioning and growing appeal as a hub for tourism and commerce, requires robust foundational infrastructure to support its economic ambitions. Reliable water provision is a prerequisite for the development of new housing estates, hospitality venues, and industrial zones.

Furthermore, this project serves as a microcosm of the broader strategy employed by authorities across the UAE to modernise utility management. By integrating higher capacity reservoirs into the legacy network, SEWA is reducing the risk of service interruptions while optimising the energy required to pump and distribute water across varying elevations and distances. This level of operational efficiency reduces long-term maintenance costs and limits the environmental footprint of the distribution process.

The construction of these new water reservoirs represents a vital step in safeguarding the future of Khorfakkan. It highlights a commitment to forward-thinking governance and sustainable urban planning. As the project nears its anticipated completion at the end of 2026, the residents and businesses of Sharjah’s east coast can expect a highly resilient, future-ready water network capable of supporting the next generation of growth and development.

The Jordanian Cabinet, during a high-level session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, officially approved a crucial financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).

The Jordanian Cabinet, during a high-level session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday, officially approved a crucial financing agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD).

This strategic partnership is designed to help finance the ambitious National Water Carrier Project, featuring an initial financial contribution of US$97mn. This monetary injection comes as the government actively moves to complete the mega-project’s financial closure and begin implementation. According to a formal Prime Ministry statement, this approval marks another monumental step towards advancing the Kingdom’s largest water infrastructure project, which is expected to cost approximately US$5.8bn in total.

The foundational groundwork for this colossal undertaking was solidified earlier in the year. The government signed the project’s final technical and legal agreement in April, successfully paving the way for the completion of financing arrangements and the start of construction works. The National Water Carrier Project is considered the very first project of its immense scale in Jordan’s history. It operates as a structured Public-Private Partnership, driven by a special purpose vehicle known as the National Carrier Project Company. This consortium is spearheaded by major international stakeholders, with Meridiam holding a 90 per cent stake and Suez holding the remaining 10 per cent.

Engineering the Future of Water Supply

From an engineering perspective, the sheer scale of the operation is absolutely unprecedented for the nation. The core infrastructure will involve the large-scale desalination of 300 million cubic metres of seawater annually, drawn directly from the Red Sea near Aqaba. Transporting this vital volume of water requires a remarkable feat of engineering. The comprehensive plans detail the construction of robust pumping systems capable of transporting water to staggering elevations of up to 1,100 metres above sea level. This is supported by a pipeline network extending approximately 450 kilometres to deliver potable water directly to Amman and surrounding areas.

Crucially, the project will rely heavily on renewable energy and advanced environmentally friendly technologies to actively offset the immense power demands typically associated with desalination. Upon its completion, the network is expected to reliably meet around 40 per cent of Jordan’s total drinking water needs. This represents a major, transformational boost to the country’s long-term water security efforts, helping to alleviate extreme stress on over-extracted groundwater resources in one of the world’s most highly water-scarce regions.

Modernising the Natural Resources Sector

Beyond the focus on national water security, the Cabinet session also yielded significant legislative developments. The Cabinet approved the validating reasons for the 2026 amendments to the Natural Resources Law, which will now be referred to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for rigorous review and the completion of legal procedures. The proposed amendments are part of intensive efforts to modernise domestic investment legislation and create a significantly more attractive environment for investors within the natural resources sector, the Prime Ministry statement detailed.

These strategic legal updates are perfectly aligned with Jordan’s overarching Economic Modernisation Vision, an ambitious national blueprint which explicitly identifies mining as a key driver of “high-value industries.” The statement confirmed that the newly drafted legislation was developed following extensive consultations with public and private sector partners, aiming to bring Jordan’s regulatory framework perfectly in line with the best international practices. Under the draft law, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources would continue to seamlessly oversee policy development for the sector.

To further stimulate economic growth, the amendments are carefully designed to encourage robust investment in petroleum, natural gas, oil shale, and critical minerals. This will be achieved by allowing investors the flexibility to enter into production-sharing agreements or mining agreements immediately once the economic feasibility of their projects has been established, according to the statement. The proposed changes would also expand investment incentives, including specific exemptions aimed at encouraging exploration activities, while drastically simplifying procedures for allocating land for natural resource projects. Finally, the legislation proposes the establishment of an exploration and community development support fund. This initiative would powerfully support mineral exploration projects across Jordan, help update essential geological and petroleum data maintained by the ministry, and directly contribute to local communities graciously hosting mining, petroleum, and oil shale operations.